It’s that time of year again! The holidays are here and between all of the “hustle and bustle” we can sometimes forget the little things which can potentially turn into something much bigger. Here are a few tips on keeping you and your loved ones safe and happy for the upcoming New Year.

1. Be cautious with candles.

Which are the top days for candle fires? You got it! It’s Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Eve and Day and Halloween too!

More than one-quarter of candle fires occur because they were too close to something that was flammable, such as curtains or gifts. This can be prevented by simply moving your lit candle at least a foot away from any other potentially flammable objects.

You should never leave a candle unattended. Whether you leave your home or go to bed, be sure to blow out all of your candles.

LED “candles” are the new craze. They are battery-powered and flicker, creating a flame-like appearance.

2. Set a timer when you cook.

With all of the holiday meal preparations, it’s easy to get side tracked. To avoid a fire started by unattended food, be sure to use a timer. If you have multiple dishes cooking, try more than one timer. Label the timer with a sticky note so when it goes off, you know which dish needs your attention.

3. Properly dispose of live trees.

I think most everyone knows just how quickly an evergreen tree can burn. Never try to dispose of your tree or wreath by tossing it into your fireplace. Not only are they hazardous because the burn so fast, but burning evergreens can also mean creosote buildup which is another fire hazard in itself.

There is no better way to announce your new flat-screen TV or LED Laptop to an unsuspecting burglar than leaving out the trash. Instead of leaving the box intact, break it down for recycling, turn it inside out or simply tear it into pieces small enough to fit inside a garbage bag.